Defence Housing Australia to create tourism precinct at Lee Point

A TOURISM precinct containing restaurants, cafes, hotel accommodation, self-contained apartments, and retail shops will be the centre piece of Defence Housing Australia’s $350 million masterplanned community at Lee Point

Artist’s renditions of the houses to be built on Lee Point beach for the new DHA suburb.

A TOURISM precinct containing restaurants, cafes, hotel accommodation, self-contained apartments, and retail shops will be the centre piece of Defence Housing Australia’s $350 million masterplanned community at Lee Point.

While a definite start-up date for the development is yet to be announced Defence Housing Australia’s senior development manager, Chris Grimm, said the proposed community, across 131.5 ha, will have something for everyone and is scheduled to accommodate about 700 ground level dwellings, up to 40 rural lots, and between 200 and 250 apartments spread over an anticipated seven stages.

“At this stage, DHA is currently working to obtain the appropriate development approvals,” he said.

“DHA plans to create a sustainable residential development for Defence families and the local community.

“Some of the lots will be retained by DHA on which homes will be built for Defence members and their families, with the remaining lots to be made available for public purchase.

“Lee Point will provide full-time employment for up to 964 employees in the construction industry, 117 full-time and part-time employees in the hospitality industry and 40 full-time employees in education.

“There will also be a focus on employing and training indigenous people.

“It is estimated that the project will contribute $350 million to the local economy.”

The proposed masterplanned community consists of two properties, divided by Lee Point Road.

The parcel on the western side of the planned development, was formerly owned by Defence. On the Eastern side is vacant crown land (Muirhead North).

“Lee Point will offer seaside living while still being close to the city,” Mr Grimm said.

“The main street will have a tourism precinct which will benefit from the proximity to Lee Point and the Casuarina Coastal Reserve.

“There will be restaurants, cafes, hotel accommodation, self-contained apartments, and retail shops.

“On the eastern portion of the development, it is planned that land is returned to the Northern Territory Government for the purposes of a community hub, primary school, childcare facility and sports ovals, covering approximately 3.7 ha.

“Immediately adjacent to the community hub will be an active recreation reserve where it is currently planned to include an AFL and cricket oval.” Mr Grimm said it was too early to anticipate expected price ranges but he expected Lee Point to offer exceptional value for money.

Prominent real estate agents have tipped Darwin’s north as the property hotspot during coming years.